Update: Sen. Charles Schumer's press secretary, Max Dworin, responded to this story with a statement that's included at the end of this entry.

Here's what happened:

New York Sen. Charles Schumer stood on the corner of East Seneca Turnpike and East Brighton Avenue with Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner and city Councilor Bob Dougherty on June 17, 2013. Schumer talked about the city's frustrations to get Sunoco Inc. and another property owner to sell decrepit, vacant gas stations at the street's intersections. "That's why I came here," Schumer said. "Time for the big dog."

Sunoco owns the empty gas station at 571 E. Seneca Turnpike and the adjacent vacant gas station. City records show Zerebny Revocable Trust owns the small gas station at 1001 E. Brighton Ave.

"The dilapidated, closed Mobil station has looked like this for two years, with a half down orange snow fence and an obviously neglected property," said Jamesville resident Marcia Schneider in her video to the editor. "The City of Syracuse should force the owner to keep it up to the point where it does not create visual pollution for everyone who passes."

One year later, the orange fence is gone, the lawn is mowed and the windows are covered and boarded up. While the lots are trash free, there are some chunks of concrete next to orange cones, and the properties remain vacant.

Revisiting abandoned gas stationsIn July 2013, Sunoco agreed to clean up and sell abandoned properties at the intersection of East Seneca Turnpike and East Brighton Avenue after a push from Sen. Charles Schumer. One year later, the properties remain vacant.

"Basically, nothing has changed," said Jamesville resident Schneider, who drives by the intersection daily. "It's such an eyesore for everyone who lives around here or drives by everyday."

Shortly after she filmed her video to the editor last year, Sen. Schumer made his trip to Syracuse. "I was a little more than surprised that a senator would get involved, but you'd think he would have a little more pull because nothing's happened," Schneider said. "Nothing's been done!"

One year after Sunoco announced plan's to clean up and sell their two properties, Syracuse.com followed up with the senator's office and the city to find out what's going on with the the abandoned gas station at 571 E. Seneca Turnpike and the adjacent empty car wash.

»Sen. Schumer's office: Since the meeting with Sunoco last year, representatives from the senator's office said they have checked regularly with the city about the gas stations. While the city hasn't asked for any further assistance, the representatives said the senator's office stand ready for if they're needed again.

»The City: City officials said Clough, Harbor & Associates is working for the Dunkin' Donuts franchisee as a consultant. However, Sunoco still owns their vacant properties and the land won't be transferred to the franchisee until all municipal approvals have been granted. City officials said they are still waiting for developers to request a right of way abandonment from the city so their plans can be developed to their specifications. The plan is still to create a Dunkin' Donuts, and city officials said the franchisee representative indicated intentions to start the project this year.

»Clough, Harbor & Associates: City officials provided syracuse.com with a number and contact person for Clough, Harbor & Associates. Calls to the contact person went unanswered and messages were not returned.

Sen. Charles Schumer's press secretary, Max Dworin, responded to this update with the following statement:

"Last year the City of Syracuse asked for Senator Schumer's help getting the abandoned gas stations up to code and having Sunoco become an active partner in redevelopment. Today, after Senator Schumer's personal call to the Sunoco CEO, the code violations are addressed, Sunoco sent a team of top executives to Syracuse and committed to sell the property to Dunkin' Donuts. Now the City needs to work with all parties to get this across the finish line regarding its zoning and permitting requirements. Senator Schumer is hopeful a final agreement will be reached soon and remains ready and willing to help further should the parties request his assistance."

What do you think about the progress that's been made one year later? Are there other stories you'd like to see updated? Leave a comment below or send us a letter.